![]() ![]() In females, the scutum (the hard shield on the dorsum of the tick is short and dark brown, while the soft part of the idiosoma (abdomen) is usually red, although this may be difficult to see in ticks that have fed and are engorged with blood (Figure 1). Identificationīlacklegged ticks are dark brown to nearly black. Photographs by Erika Machtinger, Penn State. Adult female (left) and male (right) blacklegged ticks. Others, such as winter ticks, rarely bite humans but may cause concern due to their abundance on deer. Some, such as blacklegged ticks and deer keds, can bite hunters and may transmit pathogens. In order to break a flea infestation it is necessary that all pets in the home be treated with a flea preventative for a minimum of 3 consecutive months.White-tailed deer harbor a number of external parasites that hunters may come in contact with when dressing and processing harvested deer. Keeping lawns mowed can reduce flea and tick exposure. We recommend vacuuming on a daily basis to help deplete fleas and flea eggs from carpet and furniture, be sure to throw out the bag each time. Treatment of the environment is an important step in controlling a flea infestation. Revolution (for both dogs and cats) kills adult fleas and various other parasites for one month Bravecto (topical for cats, oral for dogs) kills adult fleas and ticks and lasts for 12 weeks Seresto Collar (for both cats and dogs) kills adult fleas, flea larvae and ticks for 8 months Activyl (for both cats and dogs) kills adult fleas, stops eggs and larvae from developing for one month The following is a list of products sold at and recommended by TimberviewVeterinary Hospital: Many products exist that are highly effective and safe for eliminating fleas and ticks on cats and dogs. Other diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Erlichiosis, Anaplasmosis and Babesia may be instantly transmitted once a tick has attached. Some diseases such as Lyme disease are transmitted only after the tick feeds for 24-48 hours. As it does, it inflates and engorges with blood. A tick, if left undisturbed, may feed for several days on one host. Ticks molt through various larval and nymph stages that are barely visible to the naked eye. If they feed for very long they often cause a red, raised and often painful area on the skin of your pet. They feed primarily in the spring and fall but can be found attached to you or your pet any time of the year. Ticks are wingless arthropods that can live for 4 or more years. ![]() Once hatched the flea aggressively seeks a blood meal. The larvae require a minimum of 3 weeks to hatch but can remain in the environment for months. The eggs prefer draft-free areas of the house where they hatch into larva. If the material turns a rust color, fleas and eggs are nearby.Īfter taking a blood meal the female flea can lay thousands of eggs on the animal and in the animal’s environment. To distinguish this material from dirt, place it on a piece of white paper or towel and add water. This material is flea feces and consists primarily of blood. If no fleas are found, tiny black granules that resemble pepper may be The best place to look for fleas on your pet is the hindquarters, base of the tail, abdomen and groin. It is important to note that a flea can transmit tapeworms if ingested by a dog or cat. Severe infestations may lead to anemia from blood loss. These insects cause considerable irritation and distress to pets. Fleas are small brown or black wingless insects that feed on the blood of dogs and cats and in some cases even humans. ![]()
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